The holiday party season was upon us. It would be the first time in over twenty years that I would be attending festivities as a single man. My wife left me just before Thanksgiving and now that a few weeks have past I think I might be ready to face the world again.
A corporate client was having their holiday party at a nearby casino and I had some degree of obligation to at least make an appearance. I decided that I'd make the most of it by getting a room and enjoying a little getaway. Some "me" time.
I checked in early and once I was settled in I headed on down to the casino floor to play some slots before the party started.
The casino floor was already filling up even though it was still early. I wasn't able to play my favorite machine and so I wandered about looking for something that might be fun...
A beautiful young lady caught my eye and motioned me over to a bank of brand new game machines.
"Welcome to Bingo-Bango" she said "my name is Irina and I'm here to introduce players to our new game. Would you like to play? I'll help you get started!"
"I'm Bobby" I said "and I'd love that." I took a seat at the machine.
Now I'm a somewhat overweight balding middle-aged man and by contrast, Irina was maybe thirty, slim with a breathtakingly beautiful body and a face that could surely launch a thousand ships. She wore a tight-fitting black dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her eyes were dark but sparkled like diamonds. Her lips were thin but irresistibly sexy with crimson lipgloss to accentuate their appeal. Her dark hair hung straight but not heavy as it flowed past her shoulders and laid across the tops of her partially exposed breasts. As I drew nearer to her I caught an intoxicating aroma that reminded me of wildflowers and fresh ocean breeze with just a hint of musk. I couldn't resist inhaling deeply. I couldn't get enough of her enticing aroma. I know I'll never forget the way she smelled at that moment.
Yes folks, just like that- I was in love.
I spent the next two hours with her. I honestly had the time of my life. She was smart and funny and charming and flirty... the whole package!
Then her boyfriend showed up and it was time for me to attend the Holiday party...
POOF!!
The party started off with a short cocktail hour and I made sure to approach all of my important contacts and thank them for another good year. Then I sat with a group of clients that I had cultivated a long-standing relationship with. I pushed quickly through the explanation of why my wife wasn't with me and after a short pause and the usual sympathetic "awwhhh"s, we continued conversing about lighter issues.
As the food and alcohol began to take effect I was pulled around the room and introduced to every unattached woman in the room. It seems everybody wants to hook you up and solve your "problem" for you. This was fine, and honestly there were some interesting and attractive single women there. But I wasn't ready for a relationship yet...and besides- I couldn't get the vision and scent of Irina out of my head.
Once the dancing started I figured I'd make my escape and head out to the casino floor or maybe up to my room for a soak in the luxury tub.
As I made my way through the crowded casino floor someone grabbed me by the elbow. I turned quickly only to see Irina. I could not have been happier! I caught her intoxicating scent again, the scent that was haunting me all through the party. I looked at her sparkling eyes and smiling face.
I was in love. I've never experienced such a feeling. It made no sense but it was undeniable.
"I'm off work now and I'd love to have you party with us!" she said with a big smile and her eyes twinkling.
I felt awkward. She's obviously out of my league and she has a boyfriend.
"Hell yes! I'd love to party with you!" I responded, throwing out all rational thought.
"Great then! This is my boyfriend Woody. Woody, this is my new friend Bobby." Irina said.
We all headed over to the craps table and spent hours rolling the dice and getting to know each other. Turns out Woody and I hit it off very well even though I was insanely jealous of him. He was a handsome intelligent man with a charming sense of humor. As men go, he wasn't hard to look at either.
As the night wore on and more alcohol began to erase any inhibitions I became very flirty with Irina. She returned my advances and that only encouraged me further.
At one point Irina excused herself and I was left alone with Woody. I wasn't sure if he was paying attention to my advances on his girl or not but I figured I'd know soon...